scholarly journals Mental fatigue impairs physical performance in humans

2009 ◽  
Vol 106 (3) ◽  
pp. 857-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuele M. Marcora ◽  
Walter Staiano ◽  
Victoria Manning
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Perception Of Effort ◽  
Physical Task ◽  
The Impact

Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state caused by prolonged periods of demanding cognitive activity. Although the impact of mental fatigue on cognitive and skilled performance is well known, its effect on physical performance has not been thoroughly investigated. In this randomized crossover study, 16 subjects cycled to exhaustion at 80% of their peak power output after 90 min of a demanding cognitive task (mental fatigue) or 90 min of watching emotionally neutral documentaries (control). After experimental treatment, a mood questionnaire revealed a state of mental fatigue ( P = 0.005) that significantly reduced time to exhaustion (640 ± 316 s) compared with the control condition (754 ± 339 s) ( P = 0.003). This negative effect was not mediated by cardiorespiratory and musculoenergetic factors as physiological responses to intense exercise remained largely unaffected. Self-reported success and intrinsic motivation related to the physical task were also unaffected by prior cognitive activity. However, mentally fatigued subjects rated perception of effort during exercise to be significantly higher compared with the control condition ( P = 0.007). As ratings of perceived exertion increased similarly over time in both conditions ( P < 0.001), mentally fatigued subjects reached their maximal level of perceived exertion and disengaged from the physical task earlier than in the control condition. In conclusion, our study provides experimental evidence that mental fatigue limits exercise tolerance in humans through higher perception of effort rather than cardiorespiratory and musculoenergetic mechanisms. Future research in this area should investigate the common neurocognitive resources shared by physical and mental activity.

Cognitive Fatigue Effects on Physical Performance During Running

2014 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 375-381 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare MacMahon ◽  
Linda Schücker ◽  
Norbert Hagemann ◽  
Bernd Strauss
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Cognitive Fatigue ◽  
Physical Task ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
Lactate Levels ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Completion Times

This study investigated the effect of cognitive fatigue on physical performance in a paced running task. Experienced runners (n = 20) performed two 3,000-m runs on an indoor track, once after cognitive fatigue, and once under nonfatigued conditions. Completion times were significantly slower in the cognitive fatigue condition (M = 12:11,88 min, SD = 0:54,26), compared with the control condition (M = 11:58,56 min, SD = 0:48,39), F(1, 19) = 8.58, p = .009, eta2p = .31. There were no differences in heart rate, t(17) = 0.13, p > .05, blood lactate levels, t(19) = 1.19, p > .05, or ratings of perceived exertion F(1, 19) = .001, p 3 .05. While previous research has examined the impact of cognitive tasks on physical tasks, this is the first study to examine a self-paced physical task, showing that cognitive activity indeed contributes significantly to overall performance. Specifically, cognitive fatigue increased the perception of exertion, leading to lesser performance on the running task.

scholarly journals Prior Acute Mental Exertion in Exercise and Sport

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernando Lopes e Silva-Júnior ◽  
Patrick Emanuel ◽  
Jordan Sousa ◽  
Matheus Silva ◽  
Silmar Teixeira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Cognitive Activity ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Psychological Responses ◽  
Psychophysiological Responses ◽  
Psychophysiological State ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Mental Exertion

Introduction:Mental exertion is a psychophysiological state caused by sustained and prolonged cognitive activity. The understanding of the possible effects of acute mental exertion on physical performance, and their physiological and psychological responses are of great importance for the performance of different occupations, such as military, construction workers, athletes (professional or recreational) or simply practicing regular exercise, since these occupations often combine physical and mental tasks while performing their activities. However, the effects of implementation of a cognitive task on responses to aerobic exercise and sports are poorly understood. Our narrative review aims to provide information on the current research related to the effects of prior acute mental fatigue on physical performance and their physiological and psychological responses associated with exercise and sports.Methods:The literature search was conducted using the databases PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge and PsycInfo using the following terms and their combinations: “mental exertion”, “mental fatigue”, “mental fatigue and performance”, “mental exertion and sports” “mental exertion and exercise”.Results:We concluded that prior acute mental exertion affects effectively the physiological and psychophysiological responses during the cognitive task, and performance in exercise.Conclusion:Additional studies involving prior acute mental exertion, exercise/sports and physical performance still need to be carried out in order to analyze the physiological, psychophysiological and neurophysiological responses subsequently to acute mental exertion in order to identify cardiovascular factors, psychological, neuropsychological associates.

scholarly journals No Effects of Mental Fatigue and Cerebral Stimulation on Physical Performance of Master Swimmers

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eduardo Macedo Penna ◽  
Edson Filho ◽  
Bruno Teobaldo Campos ◽  
Renato Melo Ferreira ◽  
Juliana Otoni Parma ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Cognitive Task ◽  
Temporal Cortex ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Cognitive Effort ◽  
Master Athletes ◽  
Color Test ◽  
Experimental Conditions

Background: Mental fatigue is a psychobiological state caused by extended periods of cognitive effort, and evidence suggests that mentally fatigued athletes present impaired physical performance. Different ergogenic aids have been proposed to counteract the deleterious effects of mental fatigue, but whether brain stimulation can counteract mental fatigue is still unknown. This scenario is even more obscure considering the effects of these interventions (mental fatigue induction and brain stimulation) in a very experienced population consisting of master athletes.Method: Ten master swimmers (30 ± 6 years old and 14 ± 8 years of experience) participated in the study. They underwent four experimental conditions before an 800-m freestyle test: mental fatigue with brain stimulation; mental fatigue without brain stimulation; absence of mental fatigue with brain stimulation; and absence of mental fatigue and no brain stimulation. Mental fatigue was induced by a cognitively demanding Stroop Color Test, whereas stimulation was applied on the temporal cortex. After that, the athletes swan 800 m as fast as possible and provided their ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) every 200 m.Results: Mental fatigue was effectively induced, as evidenced by a greater fatigue perception and more errors in the last blocks of the cognitive task. Mental fatigue induction did not influence performance (time to complete the swimming trial) and RPE. Similarly, brain stimulation failed to change these two parameters, regardless of mental fatigue induction.Conclusion: The prolonged physical performance of experienced master athletes is not influenced, under the present conditions, by mental fatigue induction, cerebral stimulation, and their association.

Changes of Whole-Body Power, Muscle Function, and Jump Performance With Prolonged Cycling to Exhaustion

2012 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 332-339 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jordan P.R. McIntyre ◽  
Grant A. Mawston ◽  
Simeon P. Cairns
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measures ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Rest Period ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Drop Jump ◽  
Jump Performance ◽  
Isokinetic Torque

Purpose:To quantify how whole-body power, muscle-function, and jump-performance measures change during prolonged cycling and recovery and determine whether there are relationships between the different fatigue measures.Methods:Ten competitive or recreationally active male cyclists underwent repeated 20-min stages of prolonged cycling at 70% VO2peak until exhaustion. Whole-body peak power output (PPO) was assessed using an all-out 30-s sprint 17 min into each cycle stage. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded throughout. Isometric and isokinetic muscle-function tests were made between cycle stages, over ~6 min, and during 30-min recovery. Drop-jump measures were tested at exhaustion and during recovery.Results:PPO initially increased or was maintained in some subjects but fell to 81% of maximum at exhaustion. RPE was near maximal (18.7) at exhaustion, with the time to exhaustion related to the rate of rise of RPE. PPO first started to decline only when RPE exceeded 16 (ie, hard). Peak isometric and concentric isokinetic torque (180°/s) for the quadriceps fell to 86% and 83% of pretest at exhaustion, respectively. In contrast, the peak concentric isokinetic torque (180°/s) of the hamstrings increased by 10% before declining to 93% of maximum. Jump height fell to 92% of pretest at exhaustion and was correlated with the decline in PPO (r = .79). Muscle-function and jump-performance measures did not recover over the 30-min postexercise rest period.Conclusions:At exhaustion, whole-body power, muscle-function, and jump-performance measures had all fallen by 7–19%. PPO and drop-jump decrements were linearly correlated and are appropriate measures of maximal performance.

scholarly journals High-Fat Ketogenic Diets and Physical Performance: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy E Murphy ◽  
Christopher T Carrigan ◽  
Lee M Margolis
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Performance Test ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Ketogenic Diets ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACT Use of high-fat, ketogenic diets (KDs) to support physical performance has grown in popularity over recent years. While these diets enhance fat and reduce carbohydrate oxidation during exercise, the impact of a KD on physical performance remains controversial. The objective of this work was to assess the effect of KDs on physical performance compared with mixed macronutrient diets [control (CON)]. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized and nonrandomized studies were included if participants were healthy (free of chronic disease), nonobese [BMI (kg/m2) &lt;30], trained or untrained men or women consuming KD (&lt;50 g carbohydrate/d or serum or whole-blood β-hydroxybutyrate &gt;0.5 mmol/L) compared with CON (fat, 12–38% of total energy intake) diets for ≥14 d, followed by a physical performance test. Seventeen studies (10 parallel, 7 crossover) with 29 performance (13 endurance, 16 power or strength) outcomes were identified. Of the 13 endurance-type performance outcomes, 3 (1 time trial, 2 time-to-exhaustion) reported lower and 10 (4 time trials, 6 time-to-exhaustion) reported no difference in performance between the KD compared with CON. Of the 16 power or strength performance outcomes, 3 (1 power, 2 strength) reported lower, 11 (4 power, 7 strength) no difference, and 2 (power) enhanced performance in the KD compared with the CON. Risk of bias identified some concern of bias primarily due to studies allowing participants to self-select diet intervention groups and the inability to blind participants to the study intervention. Overall, the majority of null results across studies suggest that a KD does not have a positive or negative impact on physical performance compared with a CON diet. However, discordant results between studies may be due to multiple factors, such as the duration consuming study diets, training status, performance test, and sex differences, which will be discussed in this systematic review.

Effects of Peer Encouragement on Efficacy Perceptions and Physical Performance in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 314-322
Author(s):  
Kira L. Innes ◽  
Jeffrey D. Graham ◽  
Steven R. Bray
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Physical Performance ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Physical Task ◽  
And Behavior ◽  
Experimental Group

Social interactions are theorized to inform relation-inferred self-efficacy (RISE), which, in turn, may influence self-efficacy and behavior. This study investigated the effects of peer encouragement on RISE, task self-efficacy, and physical performance. Children (N = 84) were assigned to dyads and randomized to provide peer encouragement to one another or not (control group). Participants completed two endurance handgrip trials, separated by a cognitively demanding task intended to induce mental fatigue and increase the salience of the peer encouragement manipulation. Participants in the experimental group exchanged words of encouragement prior to the second endurance trial, whereas those in the control group did not. The peer encouragement group reported higher RISE and showed increased performance across trials compared with controls. Providing peer encouragement prior to a challenging physical task was associated with more positive RISE perceptions and improved physical performance.

Mental Fatigue: Impairment of Technical Performance in Small-Sided Soccer Games

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 1100-1105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver O. Badin ◽  
Mitchell R. Smith ◽  
Daniele Conte ◽  
Aaron J. Coutts
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Stroop Task ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Mental Fatigue ◽  
Subjective Ratings ◽  
Performance Variables ◽  
Technical Performance ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Computer Based

Purpose:To assess the effects of mental fatigue on physical and technical performance in small-sided soccer games. Methods:Twenty soccer players (age 17.8 ± 1.0 y, height 179 ± 5 cm, body mass 72.4 ± 6.8 kg, playing experience 8.3 ± 1.4 y) from an Australian National Premier League soccer club volunteered to participate in this randomized crossover investigation. Participants played 15-min 5-vs-5 small-sided games (SSGs) without goalkeepers on 2 occasions separated by 1 wk. Before the SSG, 1 team watched a 30-min emotionally neutral documentary (control), while the other performed 30 min of a computer-based Stroop task (mental fatigue). Subjective ratings of mental and physical fatigue were recorded before and after treatment and after the SSG. Motivation was assessed before treatment and SSG; mental effort was assessed after treatment and SSG. Player activity profiles and heart rate (HR) were measured throughout the SSG, whereas ratings of perceived exertion (RPEs) were recorded before the SSG and immediately after each half. Video recordings of the SSG allowed for notational analysis of technical variables. Results:Subjective ratings of mental fatigue and effort were higher after the Stroop task, whereas motivation for the upcoming SSG was similar between conditions. HR during the SSG was possibly higher in the control condition, whereas RPE was likely higher in the mental-fatigue condition. Mental fatigue had an unclear effect on most physical-performance variables but impaired most technical-performance variables. Conclusions:Mental fatigue impairs technical but not physical performance in small-sided soccer games.

Caffeine effects on VO2max test outcomes investigated by a placebo perceived-as-caffeine design

2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 231-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cayque Brietzke ◽  
Ricardo Yukio Asano ◽  
Felipe De Russi de Lima ◽  
Fabiano Aparecido Pinheiro ◽  
Franco-Alvarenga ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Peak Power ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Peak Power Output ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Ergogenic Effects ◽  
Vo2max Test ◽  
Test Outcomes

Background: Ergogenic effects of caffeine (CAF) ingestion have been observed in different cycling exercise modes, and have been associated with alterations in ratings of perceived exertion (RPE). However, there has been little investigation of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2MAX) test outcomes. Aim: This study aimed to verify whether CAF may reduce RPE, thereby improving maximal incremental test (MIT) outcomes such as VO2MAX, time to exhaustion and peak power output (WPEAK). Methods: Nine healthy individuals performed three MITs (25 W/min until exhaustion) in a random, counterbalanced fashion after ingestion of CAF, placebo perceived as caffeine (PLA), and no supplementation (baseline control). VO2 was measured throughout the test, while RPE was rated according to overall and leg effort sensations. The power output corresponding to submaximal (RPE = 14 according to the 6–20 Borg scale) and maximal RPE was recorded for both overall (O-RPE14 and O-RPEMAX) and leg RPE (L-RPE14 and L-RPEMAX). Results: VO2MAX did not change significantly between MITs; however, CAF and PLA increased time to exhaustion (↑ ∼18.7% and ∼17.1%, respectively; p < .05) and WPEAK (↑ ∼13.0% and ∼11.8%, respectively; p < .05) when compared with control. When compared with control, CAF ingestion reduced submaximal and maximal overall and leg RPEs, the effect being greater in maximal (likely beneficial in O-RPEMAX and L-RPEMAX) than submaximal RPE (possibly beneficial in O-RPE14 and L-RPE14). Similar results were found when participants ingested PLA. Conclusions: Compared with control, CAF and PLA improved MIT performance outcomes such as time to exhaustion and WPEAK, without altering VO2MAX values. CAF effects were attributed to placebo.

Perception of Effort during Constant Work to Self-Imposed Exhaustion

1979 ◽  
Vol 48 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1111-1126 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald H. Horstman ◽  
William P. Morgan ◽  
Allen Cymerman ◽  
James Stokes
Keyword(s):  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Work Intensity ◽  
Ratings Of Perceived Exertion ◽  
Work Time ◽  
A Value ◽  
Perception Of Effort ◽  
Ventilatory Parameters ◽  
Effort Sense ◽  
High Work

The purpose of this study was to describe the pattern of change in effort sense and the value of this pattern in predicting work end-point at relatively high work intensity (80% V̇O2 max). The patterns of change of various physiological functions were also observed. Two modes of work (walking and running) were compared to ascertain generalizability of results. 26 healthy male volunteers served as subjects. Time to exhaustion (ET) did not differ between walking and running. As work continued during both tasks, significant increases of V̇E, V̇E/V̇O2, V̇E/V̇CO2 and HR and a significant decrease of ET were observed; while V̇O2 and R remained fairly constant. V̇O2 and V̇E during the run were about 5% greater than during the walk; there were no differences in other measures. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) from the Borg Scale were identical for both conditions, increasing in a near linear fashion from a value of 12.9 at 25% of total work time to 18.9 at exhaustion. Ratings obtained at 25 and 50% ET were extrapolated to time of exhaustion; the point of intercept corresponded to ratings of perceived exertion for maximal work. At exhaustion, subjects rated perception of respiratory exertion for the walk as less than that for the run; perception of leg exertion was not different for the two conditions. Plasma lactate, epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations following exercise did not differ between the two conditions. The findings for the walking experiment were essentially replicated in a second investigation involving another 28 subjects. It is concluded that, with the exception of V̇O2 and some ventilatory parameters, walking and running ar the same relative work intensity resulted in comparable perceptual and physiological responses. Psychophysical judgments made early during work were reasonably accurate predictors of exhaustion time.

The Effects of Choline Supplementation on Physical Performance

2000 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Warber ◽  
John F. Patton ◽  
William J. Tharion ◽  
Steven H. Zeisel ◽  
Robert P. Mello ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Physical Performance ◽  
Perceived Exertion ◽  
Performance Measure ◽  
Load Carriage ◽  
Strenuous Exercise ◽  
Time To Exhaustion ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Total Load ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Heavy Loads

It has been reported that plasma choline levels decrease following certain types of strenuous exercise. Preliminary findings also suggest that a drop in plasma choline may limit physical performance, while choline supplementation may delay fatigue during prolonged efforts. A double-blind crossover design was used to determine the relationship between plasma choline and performance during and after 4 hr of strenuous exercise. Volunteers (N = 14) received either a placebo or treatment beverage (8.425 g choline citrate) prior to and midway through a 4-hr load carriage treadmill exercise (3% grade at 5.6 km/h × 20 km) carrying a total load of 34.1 kg. Following the treadmill test, run time-to-exhaustion and squat tests were performed, and perceived exertion, plasma choline, glycerophosphocholine, and phosphatidylcholine were measured. Plasma choline levels increased 128% after the run-to-exhaustion with the choline supplemented beverage but remained unchanged with the placebo beverage. No significant effects were seen with choline supplementation on any outcome performance measure. Consequently, soldiers conditioned to carry heavy loads over long distances do not deplete plasma choline as a result of a prolonged exhaustive exercise under a placebo beverage, nor do they benefit from choline supplementation to delay fatigue under the same conditions.

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